Title

Authors

Document Type

Master's Culminating Experience

Publication Date

2015

Abstract

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), like active tuberculosis (TB) disease, disproportionately affects foreign-born persons living in the United States. Without treatment, those diagnosed with LTBI risk going into active disease and potentially becoming infectious. Determining any knowledge, attitudes, or social characteristics associated with a person’s decision to initiate LTBI treatment is significant for TB control. A logic model based on the Theory of Reasoned Action functioned as a guide to understanding the antecedents related to LTBI treatment acceptance. Participants enrolled in the study at the time of LTBI treatment offer in a Southwest Ohio public health TB clinic. An examination of knowledge, attitudinal, and demographic/social factors occurred among 31 foreign-born (FB) and 11 U.S.-born persons as well as LTBI accepters and decliners. Of the 42 participants, 74 % were foreign-born and 81% accepted LTBI treatment (77% FB and 91% U.S.). Foreign-born participants scored significantly lower on combined TB knowledge overall, but both FB and U.S.-born participants have a poor understanding of TB transmission. Attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions towards LTBI treatment were similar between groups, although treatment decliners were less likely to believe they are infected with the TB germ and FB participants are more likely to believe they will miss taking some of their medications. The study’s findings demonstrate a need for more detailed TB education to all LTBI treatment candidates in order to improve treatment acceptance, compliance, and completion.